Water

On 29th June 2026, Atlas Copco officially launched a brand-new range of Emergency Trash Pumps to complement its existing dewatering portfolio.

On 29th June 2026, Atlas Copco officially launched a brand-new range of Emergency Trash Pumps to complement its existing dewatering portfolio.

The newly introduced petrol-powered pumps offer a highly robust and portable solution aimed at ensuring fast, reliable water removal across challenging operational environments. Engineered specifically for demanding sectors such as construction, mining, quarrying, and various other industrial dewatering applications, the comprehensive ETP range features dedicated models built for handling both clean water and dirty water.

These Emergency Trash Pumps are meticulously engineered to deliver dependable performance during critical situations where the water being removed contains significantly higher levels of solid debris. This debris can include challenging materials such as sediments, organic matter, sand, and stones. Such abrasive conditions are well known to cause conventional pumping systems to either clog or fail completely. By remaining compact, lightweight, and exceptionally easy to deploy, the ETP units provide contractors and site operators with an essential rapid-response dewatering solution, which is absolutely vital when operational uptime is critical to project success. Typical industrial applications for these versatile pumps include stormwater control, stream diversion, system cleaning, and settlement removal.

Speaking on the launch of this critical equipment, a key representative highlighted the operational challenges these specific units address. “Industrial operations like construction and mining often face unexpected flooding or water accumulation containing abrasive solids and debris,” said Niccolo Tivelli, Product Application Manager, Atlas Copco. “Our new Emergency Trash Pumps give customers a reliable, easy-to-transport solution for handling clean and dirty water applications while maintaining high performance and serviceability”.

The new Emergency Trash Pumps range currently comprises seven different and distinct models, which enables end-users to select the most appropriate pump specific to their exact application requirements. The ETP clean water units serve as the ideal choice for water transfer, tank filling, and system cleaning applications. These clean water models are capable of offering impressive flow rates up to 1,600 l/min (432 USgpm) and can achieve up to a 60 m (197 ft) maximum head. Furthermore, they deliver maximum suction rates reaching up to 7 m (22.9 ft). These clean water units are specified to handle solids up to 8 mm (0.32 in) in diameter. To ensure ease of deployment across large operational sites, they feature durable but highly lightweight aluminium components.

Conversely, for much more demanding dewatering applications that involve contaminated or heavily debris-laden water, Atlas Copco has engineered specific ETP wastewater models. These heavy-duty models are engineered to capably handle larger solids measuring up to 29 mm (1.1 in) in diameter. Constructed meticulously with durable cast iron frames and impellers, these wastewater pumps are explicitly designed to withstand harsh operating conditions and fundamentally maintain their stability, even when operating directly in severe floodwater. In terms of performance, they confidently deliver flow rates up to 1,300 l/min (343 USgpm) operating at up to a 30 m (98 ft) maximum head, whilst achieving the precise same maximum suction rates as their clean water counterparts.

Throughout the meticulous development of the EPT range, Atlas Copco maintained a strict focus on overall portability, exceptional ease of use, and entirely simplified maintenance procedures. The pumps intrinsically feature practical lifting handles alongside quick deployment capabilities, specifically to ensure that projects keep moving forward with minimal downtime. Additionally, an open-frame design guarantees easy access to essential pump components, enabling highly efficient on-site servicing. Integrated safety features, which include exhaust protection and a highly stable frame construction, actively help to ensure reliable daily operation in the most demanding site conditions. Furthermore, the dedicated use of robust materials across all wear components and seals successfully maximises the equipment's overall durability and long-term reliability.

This new Emergency Trash Pump range is a valuable part of Atlas Copco’s broader product portfolio. This extensive range successfully includes advanced dewatering pumps, generators, energy storage systems, and light towers that are expressly designed to support demanding industrial and construction applications worldwide. The Atlas Copco Group, generating impressive revenues of BSEK 168 in 2025 and employing roughly 56,000 personnel at year-end, consistently continues to enable technology that transforms the future across multiple global industries. Furthermore, the Portable Power and Flow division, part of the wider Power Technique business area headquartered in Rock Hill in the United States, actively manages these cutting-edge dewatering innovations.

The AQUACHLOR® system is specifically designed to deliver safer and more sustainable water treatment processes across the region.

The Middle East is rapidly advancing its utility infrastructure to meet growing demands for clean, safe water.

During the recent MENA Desalination exhibition, held from the 3rd to the 4th of June, EEIC (Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company) and Emerald Ecotechnologies LLC presented a major operational breakthrough. The showcase demonstrated massive disinfection cost savings for regional operators, fundamentally changing how facilities manage potable water and wastewater.

As the region focuses on sustainability, these companies are introducing advanced methods to minimise reliance on traditional, hazardous chemicals.

AQUACHLOR Mixed Oxidants Technology Explained

The core of this new operational efficiency lies in the AQUACHLOR® Mixed Oxidants technology. EEIC, a Ghobash Group Enterprise, partnered with UAE-based Emerald Ecotechnologies to bring this system to the forefront of the utility sector.

The joint presentation at the MENA Desalination exhibition highlighted several key operational improvements for desalination and wastewater applications. The AQUACHLOR® system is specifically designed to:

• Deliver safer and more sustainable water treatment processes across the region.
• Dramatically cut operating costs for utility providers.
• Minimise the industry's reliance on hazardous chlorine-based chemicals.
• Improve biofilm control within extensive water distribution networks.
• Enhance overall operational safety by reducing the handling, transportation, and storage of dangerous substances.

This technology presents a lower-cost alternative to conventional chlorine or chlorine dioxide-based disinfection systems.

The NAQAA SWRO Desalination Plant Project

A primary reference project highlighted during the exhibition was the NAQAA SWRO Desalination Plant, located in Umm Al Quwain. This massive facility promises a potable water treatment capacity of approximately 684,000 cubic metres per day.

Achieving Massive OPEX Reductions

The NAQAA facility has officially selected AQUACHLOR® as a chlorine dioxide replacement solution, with full deployment planned for later this year. Once implemented, the project is expected to deliver a reported 91% reduction in operating expenditure (OPEX).

Crucially, this cost reduction does not compromise water quality. The system maintains stable residual disinfection performance while ensuring WHO-compliant potable water. It achieves this without generating harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as bromate, chlorate, and chlorite.

The successful showcase allowed both companies to engage directly with industry stakeholders who are actively looking to optimise their current utility infrastructure. These efforts perfectly align with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036. This national programme prioritises:

• Long-term water sustainability.
• Robust infrastructure resilience.
• Improved operational efficiency.

The strategy is particularly relevant as the nation continues expanding its investment in large-scale desalination projects to secure future water supplies. Industry leaders from both organisations expressed strong confidence in the technology's potential to reshape regional water networks.

Petr Gnatyuk, the CEO of Emerald Ecotechnologies, added:

"Utilities today are looking for technologies that can deliver stronger disinfection performance while also simplifying operations and reducing lifecycle costs. Throughout the exhibition, we saw growing regional interest in solutions that are effective, cheap and reduce the demand in transportation and storage of hazardous chemicals."

Following this successful exhibition, EEIC and Emerald Ecotechnologies are well-positioned to accelerate the deployment of these sustainable solutions, driving the next generation of resilient utility infrastructure across the region.

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy hosted the third Water and Energy Majlis on 5 June 2026.

Without water and power, the machinery of modern civilisation halts. As global conditions grow increasingly volatile, safeguarding these essential utilities demands proactive, intelligent adaptation

Addressing this imperative, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy hosted the third Water and Energy Majlis on 5 June 2026, operating under the theme 'From National Readiness to Smart Resilience'.

Serving as a precursor to the Abu Dhabi Water & Power Week, the summit marked the official launch of the pioneering Abu Dhabi Water and Energy Resilience Framework. Constructed upon three pillars—infrastructure, human capital and governance, and technology and innovation—the strategy outlines 15 core measures. These protocols aim to guarantee supply security, enhance emergency preparedness, diversify resources, and deploy centralised assets to meet fluctuating demands.

The majlis attracted ministers and corporate leaders from over thirty countries to discuss hardening utility networks against future shocks. Delegates explored avenues for enhanced disaster readiness, digital crisis response, and building a cooperative regional roadmap based on the United Arab Emirates’ expertise.

During a paramount dialogue, H.E. Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, highlighted the pressing need for integrated regional systems and a shared regulatory foundation. Emphasising this immense responsibility, he stated:

“The water and energy sectors are vital pillars of the national security system, and safeguarding them is the responsibility of every official and decision-maker. What we have witnessed recently has been a practical demonstration of the efficiency and resilience of our infrastructure and a test of our ability to protect our national resources. The efforts we are advancing today reflect Abu Dhabi’s ambitions and the vision of its wise leadership to ensure the prosperity of our communities, protect the future of our children, enable economic growth, and safeguard the stability of our nations.”

His Excellency added: “today, we stand at a pivotal moment for the water and energy sectors. We have come together to help shape their future by strengthening partnerships, aligning efforts, and expanding cooperation at both the national and regional levels. More than ever, we must work towards shared goals, guided by a common vision and clear priorities, to safeguard our collective resources and build a resilient, interconnected framework that strengthens systems, supports collaboration, and enhances our ability to respond effectively to any crisis.”

Providing a crucial perspective on environmental stewardship, H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, engaged in the high-level talks. She stated:

“In the UAE, we view water, energy, and food security as an interconnected resilience system. Our national strategies integrate these sectors into a single developmental pathway, aligned with our ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Within this framework, we are enhancing local food production by deploying climate-smart agricultural technologies that maximise water and energy efficiency while minimising our carbon footprint. We are equally committed to transforming the entire food value chain to be more efficient and sustainable.

“To secure our water future, we are pursuing the ambitious goals of the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036. This includes optimising water and energy demand through sustainable desalination, particularly through the widespread adoption of advanced reverse osmosis systems. On the global stage, the UAE is fostering international cooperation to address water scarcity, as demonstrated by the launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative (MBZI). This December we will convene global players to the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, which we are hosting in partnership with Senegal. We aim to transform global water challenges into collaborative opportunities, treating water as a shared global resource.”

Her Excellency added: “Our resilience model extends beyond infrastructure; its strategic core is rooted in the community. Empowering individuals as active partners is essential to fostering a conscious, responsible approach to environmental challenges. In parallel, we are accelerating our transition towards a circular economy driven by innovation. By powering water production with clean energy, optimising its use in agriculture, and scaling up water recycling, we are building a sustainable development model that protects our environment, strengthens national resilience, and ensures prosperity for generations to come.”

Further enriching the discussion, H.E. Dr. Abdulla Ahmed Al Mandous, president of the World Meteorological Organization and director general of the National Center of Meteorology, asserted that securing resources is fundamentally tied to precise atmospheric tracking. He explained how the UAE’s early warning systems, bolstered by global data exchange and radar integration, shield critical infrastructure from severe weather. Furthermore, he detailed the incorporation of artificial intelligence into forecasting models and the deployment of cloud-seeding techniques to augment water reserves.

The summit concluded with a commitment to establish specialised task forces. By maintaining strategic collaboration, Abu Dhabi and its regional partners are actively securing operational dependability and supply stability for the future.

The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) hosted the 16th edition of its Rain Enhancement Hub Webinar Series, bringing together leading international scientists to discuss the future of weather modification technologies and operational cloud seeding strategies.

Held under the theme “From Scientific Evidence to Operational Readiness: Key Lessons from the WMA Annual Meeting for the Future of Rain Enhancement,” the webinar examined how recent scientific findings can be translated into practical rain enhancement operations.

The session featured several UAEREP-supported researchers, including Michael Dixon, Roelof Burger, Will Cantrell and Daniel Rosenfeld.

Moderated by Mohamed Mahmoud, the webinar reviewed insights from the 2026 Weather Modification Association annual meeting held in Reno, Nevada.

Speakers highlighted the growing use of advanced technologies in cloud seeding evaluation, including dual-polarisation radar systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning and causal analysis tools. Discussions also explored developments in cloud microphysics, aerosol-cloud interactions and methods for determining cloud seedability using laboratory research, modelling and satellite observations.

The webinar additionally focused on the operational application of seeding materials and how UAEREP-funded studies are helping improve cloud seeding strategies under UAE weather conditions. Experts noted that upgraded software platforms and integrated data systems are becoming increasingly important in strengthening operational decision-making and programme evaluation.

Abdulla Al Mandous, who also serves as Director General of the National Center of Meteorology, said international collaboration remains essential to advancing weather modification science.

“At NCM, we remain committed to strengthening international scientific cooperation and active engagement across global platforms that advance weather modification research,” he said. “As water security continues to be a strategic priority for the UAE, we are focused on supporting the development and application of innovative, evidence-based technologies that enhance resilience and contribute to sustainable water resources.”

Alya Al Mazroui said the webinar demonstrated the programme’s role in connecting research outcomes with practical implementation.

“By bridging the gap between research outcomes and operational implementation, and fostering knowledge exchange among leading experts, the programme continues to promote multidisciplinary approaches and reinforce partnerships that support sustainable water resource management,” she said.

UAEREP also participated in the Weather Modification Association Annual Meeting 2026 as a sponsor, with its awardees presenting scientific research across multiple technical sessions. The webinar series continues to provide a global platform for researchers and policymakers to explore emerging solutions addressing water scarcity and climate-related challenges.